Although, many people may find that owning a pistol only creates and adds to the current crime in the country, I find that they are a means for self protection.

I personally, have and carry a gun with me, especially on out-of-town trips with my family. With the current rise in home invasions and crime, I want to be able to protect myself and my family better in case something were happen.

Below you will find all the information that you need in regards to acquiring a pistal permit in Georgia.

In order to obtain a Georgia Firearms License, you must be a resident of Georgia or on active duty on a base in Georgia. Georgia Code 16-11-129

In order to obtain a Gun Permit, you must be able to answer 'No' to the following questions:

• Have you been convicted in any court of a crime punishable by imprisonment exceeding 1 year?
• Are you a fugitive from justice?
• Are you an unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance
• Have you been adjudicated as a mental defective or has been committed to a mental institution?
• Have you been dishonorably discharged from the Armed Forces?
• Are you the subject to a court order that restrains you from harassing, stalking, or threatening an intimate partner or child of such partner?
• Have you been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence?

You must also answer 'Yes' to the following question:

• Are you a legal citizen of the United States?

You will not get a gun license if you fall under one of the following categories:

• Under 21 years of age.
• A fugitive from justice or against whom proceedings are pending for any felony, forcible misdemeanor, or violation of Code Section 16-11-126, 16-11-127, or 16-11-128 until such time as the proceedings are adjudicated.
• Committed a felony.
• Committed a forcible misdemeanor and has not been free of all restraints and supervision for 5 years from the date of application.
• Convicted in violation of Code Section 16-11-126, 16-11-127, or 16-11-128 and has not been free of all restraints and supervision for 3 years from the date of application.
• Have been hospitalized as an inpatient in any mental hospital or alcohol or drug treatment center within 5 years of the date of his or her application. (The Probate Judge may consider the reason for the hospitalization and decide whether to issue a permit or not.)
• Have been convicted (plead guilty and found guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction) of an offense arising out of the unlawful manufacture, distribution, possession, or use of a controlled substance or other dangerous drug.
• Not lawfully present in the United States.

Once, you have answered all the questions and have been approved in that sense, you will have to have your fingerprints taken.

Next, the paperwork will be sent off, and you wait for your permit to arrive at the Probate Court for you to pick up.

Depending on what county, or district, you fall under, a Firearm License can cost you anywhere from $39 to $47.

In Muscogee County, you pay $26 to the GBI and $20 to the Probate Court.

You may be charged a finger print fee, as well. To verify the costs, you will want to call ahead of time.

You will want to apply for you gun license in the County Probate Court in your district.

You will want to verify all documents with the Probate Court in your district.

In general, you will need to bring Photo ID an Proof of Residence, which is usually covered by your Georgia driver's license.

Some districts may, also require a copy of your Birth Certificate or U.S. Passport, in addition to your Georgia Driver's License.

On average, it can take up to 90 days before you receive your pistol permit. You will be informed of the wait time by the Probate Court in your district when you apply for the license as to the actual wait time in your county.

A Firearms License, in the state of Georgia, is good for 5 years no matter where you might move to.